Guilt flickered in Yuvan's heart, but so did a hint of impatience."Why do you speak like this, Mom? I can't stay by your side in the capital, so of course, I hope the queen dowager will be kind and look after you. That way, I won't spend my days worrying about you.""Enough. Don't say any more. Just go. Be safe on your journey," Ruth said, waving him off.She had raised this son herself—how could she not know his temperament? How could she not see through his expression?"Mom, forgive me for not being dutiful. It's the peak of summer and the heat is unbearable, so I can't take you with me to my fief. Besides, what would His Majesty think if I brought you along? Even if I've done nothing wrong, with how suspicious he can be, he'd probably find some reason to accuse me."Ruth simply nodded. "I understand. Go now."Yuvan nodded before calling in Molly, Fiona, and his children to say their farewells. Ruth showed little affection toward her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, her exp
When Yuvan brought his family to the queen dowager's chambers to bid farewell, Salvador was also present.The uncle and nephew each harbored their own thoughts, though neither voiced them. Victoria was aware of the underlying tension, but chose to act as if nothing was amiss. She chatted with them about ordinary matters, reminiscing about the past.With a deep sigh, Victoria began to speak about the late king's fond memories of Yuvan and his brothers in their younger days."During the autumn hunt one year, you brothers accompanied King Sigmund," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "You were so full of youthful energy back then, Yuvan. You insisted on riding a fiery horse that was as tall as you were."Who would have guessed the horse would go mad and nearly throw you off? King Sigmund rushed to your side, whipping his riding crop around you to keep you steady, but you both ended up falling."Her gaze distant, she continued, "Luckily, he shielded you with his own body. You d
Before leaving the capital, Molly made another trip to Hell Monarch Estate to see Violet and ask her for the letter she wanted to write to her father.Having been warned by Carissa, Violet didn't entertain Molly's request. She didn't give her the letter and quickly dismissed her instead.Molly tried again, but only embarrassed herself. But this time, she didn't seem angry. Instead, her eyes brimmed with tears. "Violet, I know you look down on me, but I truly see you as my little sister. While we were in the capital, we bought so many things that we can't take back with us. If Skye Embroidery can use them, I'll send everything there."Violet crossed her arms, her tone skeptical as she asked, "Are you really this generous?"Molly bristled at the accusation. "I'm a woman too. Naturally, I want to help other women. Besides, it's all things we don't need anymore—grain, clothes, fabrics, embroidery supplies, and even flowers. It's impractical to bring them back to Valken. If you don't
It took five carts to fit all the items. The flowers and plants were transported on a wagon. Almost everyone from Edgeview Estate had been mobilized to help.As they were leaving, Yuvan himself came out. He greeted Violet with his usual charm, exuding masculine charm and looking compassionate. "I hope these items will be of use to your workshop. There are also many different types of silk threads in the manor, perfect for making high-quality embroidery. If you'd like, you're welcome to come inside and take a look, Ms. Spencer."Violet's guard immediately went up. "No need for that. Just have them all brought out, and we'll take it from there."Yuvan didn't push the matter. Instead, he turned and gave orders to his servants."Bring out all the silk threads and load them onto the carts. If there aren't enough carts, send someone to hire more."The servants quickly headed back inside to retrieve the silk threads.Meanwhile, Yuvan's gaze lingered on Violet. She wore a soft lavender
Carissa knew that Yuvan and his family were leaving the city today, so she gave orders to the Garrison Unit to keep an eye on them. After they left the city, they were to report back.Max personally led a team to keep watch. As they saw several of Yuvan's carriages leaving Edgeview Estate in a grand procession, they didn't stop them. Because of Yuvan's status, he didn't need to be checked when leaving the city. However, Yuvan still lifted the curtain of his carriage and nodded politely. The officer at the city gate raised his hands in a salute as he saw Yuvan off.There was no order to check, so no one dared to. With Yuvan's emblem, they didn't even need to show their face to be allowed to pass.Once they were gone, Max and his team returned to the Capital Guard headquarters to report to Carissa.When Carissa heard that they had left, she finally felt at ease.Recently, the Garrison Unit had been conducting fitness tests. Even after clearing out some people, the Garrison Unit coul
About an hour later, the person Carissa sent to inquire returned. "Ms. Spencer is not at Hell Monarch Estate. I asked the people at the estate, and they said she went to Skye Embroidery. I went there, but she wasn't there either. They did say that some supplies had arrived from Edgeview Estate today, but Ms. Spencer didn't personally inspect them. They're all piled outside, and they won't take them until they're checked."Carissa's heart skipped a beat. Supplies from Edgeview Estate were sent to Skye Embroidery? What about Claire and the others? Had they gone with Violet?She quickly stood up and ran out, calling for Mabel. She waited a while, but Mabel didn't come out. That was strange—Mabel had been with her today. Where had she gone?Something was off—very off."Commander Sinclair, what's wrong?" Max came running after her. "Are you looking for Mabel? I saw her when I came back. She seemed to have left in a hurry.""Where did you see her?" Carissa asked quickly."Right out
Carissa quickly sorted through the information in her mind. Her thoughts were in chaos, but she forced herself to stay calm and asked, "Is it just Claire chasing after her?""Iris is with her. But if Prince Yuvan really took Ms. Spencer, he would have many skilled people with him. They wouldn't be able to match him. That's why I came back to get help, but we still don't know for sure if Ms. Spencer was taken," Mabel replied.Carissa knew there was no time to waste. Lightning should be able to catch up. If Violet was still in the capital, she would probably be safe—the danger would be if Yuvan had taken her.She turned to Lillian. "Go back and tell Deputy Commander Brown to search the city. Then, go to Hell Monarch Estate and find Mr. Mullen. Have him gather people and follow me. I'll leave markers along the way."With that, Carissa snapped her whip and galloped off.Claire had always been with Violet, but now Violet had disappeared right before her eyes. This was no ordinary situa
The sound of a donkey's bell rang out along the main road, clinking in the night. The man had a blade of grass in his mouth, humming a tune.He loved traveling at night.There was something about the darkness that felt mysterious, as if anything could happen in the blackness. It was a thrill that couldn't be matched.It would be perfect to run into a few strange creatures—maybe sit down with them for a drink. His flask was filled with Everett's wine. To steal some, he couldn't even ride his horse. He had to borrow one from the Lunar Guild.But how could the Lunar Guild have a horse? The guildmaster had hesitated for a long time, then reluctantly led out a donkey. She warned him repeatedly to walk with it instead of riding, saying that the old donkey couldn't carry his weight and might collapse from the strain. It could carry his things, though.It was ridiculous. If he was going to walk down the mountain, he might as well carry his things himself and not bother with the donkey.B
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier